Toilet-disposable absorbent interlabial device

Abstract

Absorbent devices, and more particularly toilet-disposable absorbent devices that are worn interlabially by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, are disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention comprises a central absorbent portion and preferably a pair of flexible extensions joined to the central absorbent portion. The main absorbent portion comprises an upper portion, and a lower portion opposed to the upper portion. In use, the upper portion is positioned furthest inward into the space between the wearer's labia majora. The pair of flexible extensions extends downwardly and laterally outward from the upper portion of the main absorbent portion, and preferably is capable of maintaining contact with the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia majora when the wearer's body goes through a range of motions, including squatting. Additionally, the flexible extensions are preferably capable of covering the fingertips of the wearer as the absorbent device is inserted into the interlabial space. The components of the absorbent device are preferably biodegradable. The device disperses into a plurality of fragments when exposed to mildly agitated room temperature water. The small size of the device contributes to its flushability. The dispersibility, flushability, and biodegradability of the device all contribute to the ability of the device to be effectively and reliably disposed of in a toilet.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A toilet disposable absorbent device insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer, said absorbent device comprising: a central absorbent portion having a length in an x-direction and a height in a z-direction, said length being greater than said height, wherein the time required for said interlabial absorbent device to disperse into at least two fragments as measured by the Water Dispersion Test is less than about two hours, and wherein said interlabial device is sufficiently flushable that it completely clear the bowl under the Flushability Test at least about 70% of the time in two or fewer flushes.   
     
     
       2. The absorbent device of claim 1 wherein the time required for said flushable interlabial absorbent device to disperse into at least two fragments as measured by the Water Dispersion Test is less than about sixty minutes. 
     
     
       3. The absorbent device of claim 2 wherein the time required for said flushable interlabial absorbent device to disperse into at least two fragments as measured by the Water Dispersion Test is less than about thirty minutes. 
     
     
       4. The absorbent device claim 3 that is sufficiently flushable that it completely clears the bowl under the Flushability Test at least about 90% of the time in one flush. 
     
     
       5. The absorbent device of claim 1 wherein said device is at least about 70% biodegradable. 
     
     
       6. The absorbent device of claim 1 wherein said device is at least about 90% biodegradable. 
     
     
       7. The absorbent device of claim 1 wherein said absorbent device resides substantially entirely within said interlabial space of said wearer upon insertion. 
     
     
       8. A toilet disposable absorbent device insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer, said absorbent device comprising: a central absorbent portion comprising an upper portion and a lower portion thereof, said upper portion facing toward the vestibule floor of said wearer during insertion into said interlabial space and leading said lower portion during insertion therein, said lower portion being opposed to said upper portion and upon insertion of said absorbent device into said interlabial space said lower portion facing away from the floor of the vestibule of said wearer; and   a pair of flexible extensions joined to said upper portion of said central absorbent portion and extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom, said flexible extensions being capable of maintaining contact with the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia when said absorbent device is worn,   wherein said absorbent device is sufficiently flushable that it completely clears the bowl under the Flushability Test at least about 70% of the time in two or fewer flushes.   
     
     
       9. The absorbent device of claim 8 wherein the time required for said toilet disposable interlabial absorbent device to disperse into at least two fragments as measured by the Water dispersion Test is less than about two hours. 
     
     
       10. The absorbent device of claim 9 wherein the time required for said toilet disposable interlabial absorbent device to disperse into at least two fragments as measured by the Water dispersion Test is less than about sixty minutes. 
     
     
       11. The absorbent device of claim 10 wherein the time required for said toilet disposable interlabial absorbent device to disperse into at least two fragments as measured by the Water dispersion Test is less than about thirty minutes. 
     
     
       12. The absorbent device of claim 11 that is sufficiently flushable that it completely clears the bowl under the Flushability Test at least about 90% of the time in one flush. 
     
     
       13. The absorbent device of claim 8 wherein said device is at least about 70% biodegradable. 
     
     
       14. The absorbent device of claim 13 wherein said device is at least about 90% biodegradable. 
     
     
       15. The absorbent device of claim 8 wherein said absorbent device resides substantially entirely within said interlabial space of said wearer upon insertion. 
     
     
       16. The absorbent device of claim 8 wherein said flexible extensions disperse into at least two fragments in less than about two hours as measured by the Water Dispersion Test. 
     
     
       17. The absorbent device of claim 8 wherein said flexible extensions disperse into at least two fragments in less than about sixty minutes as measured by the Water Dispersion Test. 
     
     
       18. The absorbent device of claim 8 wherein said flexible extensions disperse into at least two fragments in less than about thirty minutes as measured by the Water Dispersion Test. 
     
     
       19. The absorbent device of claim 8 wherein said main absorbent portion disperses into at least two fragments in less than about two hours as measured by the Water Dispersion Test. 
     
     
       20. The absorbent device of claim 19 wherein said main absorbent portion disperses into at least two fragments in less than about sixty minutes as measured by the Water Dispersion Test. 
     
     
       21. The absorbent device of claim 20 wherein said main absorbent portion disperses into at least two fragments in less than about thirty minutes as measured by the Water Dispersion Test. 
     
     
       22. The absorbent device of claim 8 wherein said absorbent device substantially blocks said wearer's urethra and orifice of the vagina upon insertion. 
     
     
       23. An absorbent device insertable into the interlabial space of a female wearer, said absorbent device comprising: a central absorbent portion comprising an upper portion and a lower portion thereof, said upper portion facing toward the vestibule floor of said wearer during insertion into said interlabial space and leading said lower portion during insertion therein, said lower portion being opposed to said upper portion and upon insertion of said absorbent device into said interlabial space said lower portion facing away from the floor of the vestibule of said wearer; and   a pair of flexible extensions joined to said upper portion of said central absorbent portion and extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom, said flexible extensions being capable of covering the fingertips of said wearer as said absorbent device is inserted into said interlabial space of said wearer,   wherein the time required for said flushable interlabial absorbent device to disperse into at least two fragments as measured by the Water Dispersion Test is less than about two hours.   
     
     
       24. The absorbent device of claim 23 wherein the time required for said flushable interlabial absorbent device to disperse into at least two fragments as measured by the Water Dispersion Test is less than about sixty minutes. 
     
     
       25. The absorbent device of claim 24 wherein the time required for said flushable interlabial absorbent device to disperse into at least two fragments as measured by the Water Dispersion Test is less than about thirty minutes. 
     
     
       26. The absorbent device of claim 25 wherein said absorbent device is sufficiently flushable that it completely clears the bowl under the Flushability Test at least about 90% of the time in one flush. 
     
     
       27. The absorbent device of claim 23 wherein said device is at least about 70% biodegradable. 
     
     
       28. The absorbent device of claim 27 wherein said device is at least about 90% biodegradable. 
     
     
       29. The absorbent device of claim 23 wherein said absorbent device resides substantially entirely within said interlabial space of said wearer upon insertion. 
     
     
       30. The absorbent device of claim 23 wherein said absorbent device substantially blocks said wearer's urethra and orifice of the vagina upon insertion.